3 Requirements For Flood Damage Restoration

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Water intrusion after a storm in Baymeadws, FL.

Flood Damage Restoration

Flooding can introduce highly contaminated Category Three water into structures where it is likely to cause extensive primary and secondary damage. The cleaning requirements established by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the certifying and standard-setting body of the restoration industry, are necessary to reduce the risk of fungal and microbial growth after a flood damages a residence in Baymeadows, FL.

1. Extraction

Restoration professionals must remove standing water prior to cleaning or attempting to restore materials or contents at a residence. These experts often use pumps. Depending on the portion of a home that is flooded, it may be possible to pump quickly. Otherwise, more gradual extraction will be necessary. It is crucial to allow the pressure on basement walls to gradually equalize to avoid structural damage.

2. Disinfection

Flood damage usually involves grossly contaminated Category Three water. Restoration specialists also refer to this type of water as black water. It may contain bacteria, chemicals, fungus spores, heavy metals, solid waste and other risky substances. One of the most important cleaning requirements involves using a flood disinfectant to prevent infection or mold growth.

3. Drying

It is essential to completely dry any part of a residence that has been exposed to water. Moisture and organic material combine to support many types of fungi. In addition to extracting water with a pump or wet vac, flood clean specialists may also recommend the use of a dehumidifier to lower relative indoor humidity levels to the range of 30 percent to 50 percent. Low humidity levels can inhibit mold growth.

Damage restoration professionals certified by the IICRC meet the cleaning requirements set forth in industry-leading standards. It can be challenging for non-professionals to properly clean up flood damage, but experts can use commercial-grade equipment and EPA-rated flood disinfectant to reduce the residual risks of storm or water damage at a residence in Baymeadows, FL.